What information do we record about our patients
The practice stores information on a database about each of its patients. The database is used to record your medical history and any consultations that you may have with a doctor, nurse or health care assistant.
Additionally, each patient has all medication stored on their record (current and discontinued).
All letters, faxes, emails relating to tests, discharge from hospital, out of hours reports, accident and emergency reports are also scanned into each relevant patients records so we have a full and complete medical history.
How do we ensure that your data is safe?
At Great Western Surgery we have systems in place to ensure that all data stored about each of our patients is processed lawfully.
This means that we have policies in place and staff are trained to deal with your data sensitively.
Everyday Confidentiality
All staff have access to your medical and personal details which is required in relation to their roles.
All staff undergo training on confidentiality and have signed a ‘Confidentiality Agreement’. They are trained not to disclose information to a third party.
If a relative wants to know information about one of our patients we will not disclose this unless we have written consent from the patient.
There is a separate policy and information leaflet for young people. Please ask a member of staff if you would like a copy of our leaflet for Young People
How else might your data be processed
If you get referred to another service, your information will be shared with this service. Your consent will have been obtained during the GP consultation.
Sometimes the practice is involved in national or local health audits and we may be required to send data to an NHS organisation. However, on these occasions data is sent without personal details so individuals can not be identified.
The practice may be approached by social services or the police for information on patients. Information is not disclosed unless there is a risk to the patient or wider society. The police are usually required to supply a warrant to access data about a patient